§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the assistance with fares from central Government for attenders at (a) medical rehabilitation centres and (b) employment rehabilitation centres; if he is satisfied that failure to obtain help with fares is not deterring some people from attending medical rehabilitation centres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungHealth authorities are required to assist NHS patients attending hospitals or clinics providing specialist services, including medical rehabilitation centres, with their travelling expenses where they would otherwise suffer financial hardship. I have no evidence to suggest that patients are deterred from attending medical rehabilitation centres because they are unable to obtain help with fares. Should the hon. Member have a particular case in mind perhaps he would write to me.
I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that adult clients attending employment rehabilitation centres who live more than two miles from the centre are currently reimbursed all reasonable transport costs actually incurred. As from 2 April 1981, this system will largely be replaced by a system of flat rate payments of £1.25 per week-£1.75 in London-for every.2½ mile band between the client's home and the centre, though no allowance will be paid for the first 2½ miles. Special arrangements will, however, continue for some clients—for example, where circumstances make direct provision of transport by the centre economic, or where a client's disability justifies payment of taxi fares.